News
Maple Grove Enterprises Painted Sculpture for National Harbor
Posted on May 05, 2008
Maple Grove Enterprises was chosen once again to paint a sculpture by internationally renowned artist Albert Paley. The 85-foot sculpture called “The Beckoning” was recently installed at National Harbor on March 18.
“Color is quite a prominent component,” says Paley. “One of the main aspects of color is to solicit emotion.” The sculpture features a mix of fiery reds, deep blues, dark purples, bright yellows and oranges. Paley said it symbolizes the enthusiasm surrounding the massive waterfront project.
Paley, a professor in residence at the Rochester Institute of Technology, is the first metal sculptor to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Institute of Architects, the AIA’s highest award to non-architects. Albert Paley has been active as an artist for over 30 years, and he and his staff work at a variety of metalworking disciplines at his studio in Rochester.
Maple Grove Enterprises received the sculpture as raw steel pieces, and then sandblasted them to a white metal finish. After sandblasting, we coated the pieces according to Paley’s color specs. The largest of the components weighs 56,000 pounds and is over 42 feet long, taking up most of our paint booth. After coating, it rested outside our facility next to the road. Local residents frequently asked us about the “blue palm tree” they saw while driving by.
After Maple Grove finished coating the sculpture, Albert Paley came to our shop in Arcade to highlight it, adding depth and interest. The sculpture was then trucked down to the Washington area where it was installed.
Maple Grove Enterprises is proud of our role in realizing Paley’s vision for “The Beckoning,” and is already working on more of Paley’s commissioned sculptures.
For more info, visit our website at http://www.maplegroveenterprises.com/newsletterApr2508.htm